House Democratic leaders said Monday that they will not force the Pentagon to buy four new passenger jets used to ferry senior government officials. Democrats have been criticized for adding $330 million to the Air Force's 2010 budget to buy the jets even though the Pentagon didn't request the money.

Two of the planes would be the C-37 — the military equivalent to the fancy Gulfstream 550 — and cost taxpayers $130 million at a time when lawmakers have made villains of bailed-out auto executives who rely on corporate jets to travel.

"If the Department of Defense does not want these aircraft, they will be eliminated from the bill," said Rep. John Murtha, a Pennsylvania Democrat who chairs the panel that approved the additional spending.

A spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she supported the decision, which was expected to face resistance in the Senate.

Murtha denies that the money was added to give lawmakers a nicer ride when traveling with the military, as lawmakers often do to visit troops overseas or for security reasons.

In a statement released Monday, Murtha said that the planes are primarily used by executive branch officials.

Murtha said the newer jets were needed to replace older aircraft with safety and maintenance issues that cost a lot more to operate.

A few years ago, through of a strange set of circumstances I got to fly from International Falls, MN to Atlanta on one of those fancy Gulfstreams. All those sons of bitches in Congress trying to buy them on our dime is a crime. But it sure makes for a nice ride.

Ugly bitch might have a heart attack; she might be ready for one of those shovel ready projects. Lord knows they have a shit pot full of them on the drawing boards.

megimoo

08-11-2009, 07:44 AM

Ugly bitch might have a heart attack; she might be ready for one of those shovel ready projects. Lord knows they have a shit pot full of them on the drawing boards.
She has been embalmed already so she is 'deposit' ready although with her big mouth they will need a sound proof coffin!